It is opposed to the element of popular insurrection because, in such a resort, public power is surrendered to the irrationality of brutal passion.

It is opposed to a conversion of the government into a machine for confiscation and murder because it deems the natural function of government to be the protection of life and property .-- The majority, accordingly, in confronting the Jacobin, who allows himself all this,[1257] is like a unarmed man facing one who is fully armed.[1258] The Jacobin, on principle, holds the law in contempt, for the only law, which he accepts is arbitrary mob rule.

He has no hesitation in proceeding against the government because, in his eyes, the government is a clerk which the people always has the right to remove.

He welcomes insurrection because, through it, the people recover their sovereignty with no limitations .-- Moreover, as with casuists, "the end justifies the means."[1259] "Let the colonies perish," exclaims a Jacobin in the Constituent Assembly, "rather than sacrifice a principle." "Should the day come," says St.Just, "when I become convinced that it is impossible to endow the French with mild, vigorous, and rational ways, inflexible against tyranny and injustice, that day I will stab myself." Meanwhile he guillotines the others.

"We will make France a graveyard," exclaimed Carrier, "rather than not regenerating it our own way!"[1260] They are ready to risk the ship in order to seize the helm.